Finding Peace in the City at Address Boulevard | Review

The Downtown Dubai hotel may have just won the 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards for Best Luxury Hotel Design MENA, but it has more to offer than a soothing intimate interior – it proves itself an intimate, luxe urban escape.

Escape the madness & find peace in the city with The Luxe Diary’s review of the Address Boulevard

The 5* Address Boulevard, housed on Downtown Dubai’s Boulevard across from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and Dubai Mall, defines itself with a distinctly casual-luxe atmosphere and an attitude to match.

Designed by multi-award winning NORR Architects, it’s ambiance has a soothing effect peppered by touches of familiarity. Sleek white and slate marbles, dramatic large Lasvit chandeliers and French wall paneling enhance the soaring ceiling heights, while taupe velvety furnishings and gold accents and modern décor details read as sophisticated Rivieria as much as refined Arabesque.

It emanates light and spaciousness, but maintains warmth and a sense of ‘home away from home’ – a feat considering one has just entered the property. It is this tasteful approach to luxury that keeps this property grounded in casual elegance.

Address Boulevard is the 38th tallest building globally at 73 storeys – but it maintains a low-key luxe, providing an interesting dynamic considering it is in the midst of the city’s shopping buzz and mere minutes from DIFC’s fine dining outlets.

There is a marked sense of peaceful calm, as though one has stepped into a welcoming bubble of refined extravagance that begs for a pause at one of its several intimate corners for refreshment, a nibble or a moment of reflection.

Nothing embodies this more though than a quiet soak in the exclusive infinity pool on the fourth floor – not open to the general public – as a view of the Burj Khalifa and passersby contrast against a remarkably resort-like surrounding.

But before one discovers the hidden gems that this hotel has to offer, there is a gentle journey into comfort to be had. The interior architecture throughout the hotel engages partitions that separate casual with formal spaces, small corners for quiet discussion or larger sitting zones for casual banter.

City chic balanced with home comfort is embodied most eloquently in The Restaurant – the hotel’s sole F&B outlet. A staggering concept to possess a singular eatery, kudos for understanding that sometimes doing one thing well is better than dabbling in several for mass appeal.

Offering global bistronomy with a Mediterranean edge – Executive Chef Rick Gonzalez has forged a culinary path that focuses on simple dishes executed with heart. But what really sets this restaurant apart is it’s Parisian abode interiors, rife with greige walls accented with black-and-white artworks, sculptures and personalised accoutrements more akin to personal rather than public space.

Guests can meander through ‘living’, ‘dining’, ‘dressing’, ‘collection’, ‘library’ and ‘terrace’ rooms stylishly fitted with plush curved couches and velvety armchairs. Here, meals easily turn from business lunches into extended Sunday afternoon affairs – and guests are further invited to continue their experience
through the French doors to the lounge and bar area fitted out as a library-cum-cigar-lounge with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. Think high shelves of tomes, chess tables and oversized leather couches primed for evening nightcaps.

The whole experience feels rather like a dinner party hosted in a friend’s charming apartment, save for one special hidden surprise: the secret room. Hidden behind a panel of shelving is a discreet dining room for up to three guests, complete with a butler, vintage gramophone and bespoke menu. It is a simple but impactful touch, showing that sometimes toning it down is the way to really elevate an experience.

The 196 rooms likewise embody a simplified approach to luxury without sacrificing contemporary needs. Nine different rooms are technologically updated, with Netflix and iPad controlled features, and range from Deluxe rooms (47 sqm with generous balconies overlooking the Burj Khalifa and three pools) to 280s qm suites that attend to every possible need and more.

Embracing the stone, mushroom and dark wood colour palette seen throughout the property with special touches like leather lined drawers, artistic fresh floral arrangements in designer vases, and sleek fittings that appeal to female and male persuasions, the rooms seamlessly enhance that low-key luxe, acting a supporting role to the mood that the property induces.

But for a true treat, opt for the Club Rooms that grant access to the Club Lounge, which serves complimentary meals and select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. It’s another small but important detail that adds to the charm of a luxury homestay, with the bonus of an additional degree of attentiveness, peace and indulgence.

The Address Boulevard has plentiful pockets in which to discover clever touches: the private entrance to the mall, the state-of-the-art gym, or that spa-guests-only private infinity pool with loungers both in and out of the water.

The spa itself offers comprehensive options, ranging holistic and Balinese treatments, Hammam and Rhassoul areas, to Finnish and bio saunas. It also has easily the best couples treatment room in the city complete with a private Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and relaxation area that is mindful of gender sensitivities.

This hotel has its guests covered – from discreet, thorough service ready to cater to specific needs and wishes; varied dining options spanning elegant served brunches to afternoon tea and terrace sheesha; and invaluable access to myriad Dubai activities.

Importantly, it does so with subtle elegance and taste. Come for a special celebration – request for their decadent chocolate mousse cake – or come for a weekend escape. Or better yet, for those who want to turn that quick jaunt into a lifestyle, there are Address Boulevard’s 500+ serviced residences for those who really can’t get enough.